The Gamma plant generates 137 hp at 6300 rpm and torque of 123 lb-ft at 4850 rpm. And it musters some impressive fuel economy figures -- up to 27/37 mpg (city/highway) with the 6-speed manual.

For suspension, all versions of the 2017 Accent employ independent MacPherson struts up front with gas-charged hydraulic twin-tube shocks and stabilizer bar, and in the rear a torsion axle with coil springs and gas-filled monotube shocks.

The layout of the cabin shows a pair of bucket seats up front and a bench in back with two articulated seat positions but room for three in a pinch. Headroom amounts to 39.9 inches up front and 37.2/37.8 inches (4-door/5-door) in back, with front-seat legroom stretching to 41.8 inches.

The driver sits in a comfortable form-fitting bucket which adjusts to fit even a large frame, with seat height in tall stance to set up excellent visibility through the windows.

All of the controls -- handy in positions either left on the door, right on the console or ahead on the instrument panel -- set in logical positions and operate easily.

The surfaces for dash and door, clad in a soft-touch synthetic material, feel refined, even sophisticated, which is certainly unexpected in this conservative class.